BLR 7mm-.08

Talkinghorse · 05-19-2008, 04:05 PM

I have a chance to pick up a Browning Lever Action in 7mm-.08. The rifle is in Very Good condition and it has a Redfield-Widefield 1.5-5X scope. I intend to use the rifle on whitetail deer, and I typically shoot at ~100 yds. Any thoughts/experience with this particular rifle or cartridge?

SpeedFreak · 05-19-2008, 06:40 PM

The 7-08 is a excellent cartridge with a flat trajectory and mild recoil.

I like the BLR, but if your looking for guilt edge accuracy this wouldnt be my first choice.

On the other hand it's accuracy will be more than respectable at the distance's your planning to shoot.

tnbowhunter · 05-20-2008, 05:47 AM

I agree with SpeadFreak, the 7-08 is indeed an excellent deer cartridge. It shares the same parent case [308] as the 243, 260, but shoots a slightly larger bullet than the latter two. My dad killed his first deer with his 7-08 a couple of years ago, it was pretty much an instant kill with the deer going down without taking a step.[measured range of 76 yards]

The Browning lever action is a great gun but I prefer any caliber in bolt action, but that's just my personel preference. The Redfield 1.5X5 scope is plenty for your hunting situation.

Ask the person who has it if you can test fire the rifle first, if it shoots to your satisfaction and you like it I say go for it!!!

s3gunner · 05-20-2008, 07:10 AM

Not too much to add to the other 2 post, except it would be an nice gun if you intend to do a lot of walking. They are typically lighter than guns of the same caliber, and still shoot respectfully well. I have never owned a BLR (I prefer auto and some bolt guns) But I almost bought that same gun for my little girl's first deer rifle. If you like the .308, you'll love the 7-08. The only thing it can't do that a .308 can do is shoot heavy bullets, but then again most .308's can't shot the heavy lead very good either.

Steven

Irish125 · 05-20-2008, 12:01 PM

+1 on the 7mm-08. This is what I hunt with and had no trouble hitting and dropping a whitetail at 400 yards from a stand. As long as you sight it in properly for the range you intend to shoot it still has enough energy to be effective at fairly long range. Also was still extremly effective at 30 yds opening day. I will agree with the others in that I would prefer a bolt action if given the choice.

Talkinghorse · 05-20-2008, 05:05 PM

This (BLR) rifle has a 20-inch barrel...that, together with the 1.5-5X scope would limit its usefulness on longer distances. However, most of my shots are 100yds max. The guy wants $500 for the rifle/scope/case/2 boxes of shells. I think that's a very fair price for it; but if I have to get into replacing the scope, the deal becomes less attractive. Cabela's sells the bare rifle for $700...add the bases, rings, scope, case, ammo and tax, and I'd be well over $1,000 for a new one. Since I already have a lever action Marlin 336, I was in the market for a good bolt action...but the price on this BLR is attractive, it would more than meet my needs, and would be a significant upgrade to my Marlin.

SpeedFreak · 05-21-2008, 06:09 PM

If you dont have your heart set on the BLR I would suggest getting a Tikka.

For about the same price as your used BLR you can get a new Tikka.

Talkinghorse · 05-21-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedFreak

If you dont have your heart set on the BLR I would suggest getting a Tikka.

For about the same price as your used BLR you can get a new Tikka.

You're right, and I really don't have my heart set on it. I looked at a synthetic stock-stainless Tikka T-3 .25-06 at Cabela's last week and I think it was ~$569, including the rings. The wood/blued combination is a little less. The plastic magazine was the only thing that turned me off...but the action was unbelivably smooth.

SpeedFreak · 05-22-2008, 04:12 AM

The Tikka T3 has a excellent action and one of the smoothest triggers you will find on a factory rifle.

It also come with a accuracy guarantee that they stand behind.

PS: Did I forget to mention Tikka T3 is manufactured by Finnish rifle manufacturer Sako. If your not into paying $1000+ for Sako quality the Tikka brings you the quality there known for at a reasonable price.

In regards to the 25-06 it is probably one of the top 10 deer cartridges you may use. Keep your bullet weight in the 115-120gr range and you will have plenty of cartridge out to the distances few of us need to be attempting a shot.

If you do a bit of varmint hunting up to deer sized game the 25-06 would be perfect.

If you think you may wish to go after deer sized game with the opportunity to hunt elk, moose and black bear I might suggest something like the .308Win. (ok its my favorite cartridge. It typically has a velocity of 100fps less than the 30-06, but in exchange has about 18% less recoil than its big brother)

If not the .308 these would be my other choices
.270Win
.280Rem (probably a better cartridge than the 270, but not as popular and bullet selection is limited)
7-08
30-06

Shane06fl · 05-22-2008, 06:25 AM

The 7-08 is a fantastic deer cartridge. You can get a wide varity of factory ammo/bullet choices and if you reload you can really make it a very special round.

I personaly love the BLR. I bought my Dad a BLR .308 a few years back when he started hunting again. It was used and I paid $350 It had a Redfield 3-9X40 on it. That came off as as I got it home and puit Leupold 2-7X21 compact on the it with Burris Base and rings. With factory el'cheapo Winchester X 150gr SP I was shooting 1/2'' groups at 100yds. After I developed a load useing Hornady 165gr spire points I stayed at the same 1/2'' groups at 100yds and at 200yrds I am still under and inch. They can be made accurate with the right ammo. Dad took a nice 7pt this past season at a measured 289 yards, deer took three steps and fell over.

Down side with the BLR is the forearm stock screw that also keeps the sling swivel tight is known for working loose. That will throw your accuracy down the drain. The first thing I did is remove the screw, add loc-tite and reinstalled. that screw hasn't come loose in 3 years except by me for cleaning.

Without looking at the gun value I would say $500 is probably close but I would offer $375 and be prepaired to go to $425 and let the seller keep the scope. Put a better scope on it and have a nice rifle.

Can you get a new bolt action for the same money, yeah but's not a BLR. If your not worried about buying used you can get a good bolt action rifle for well under $400.